15 million funding for Drinkaware

Drinkaware is stepping up its activities to tackle alcohol misuse thanks to a pledge by the drinks industry to invest more than £5 million per year for the next three years.

The funding comes from 50 companies in the alcohol sector including supermarkets, off-licences, pub operators, trade bodies and producers.

Drinkaware said the additional funds will be used to amplify its current campaigns to reduce alcohol-related harm, build its digital presence, and develop “more compelling” education and information programmes.

Chairman Derek Lewis said: “Changing the UK drinking culture won’t happen overnight and we’ve all got a part to play. It’s imperative that the drinks industry, medical and public health community, charities and central and local government all work together to protect consumers from alcohol related harm."

Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health, praised Drinkaware’s “good progress” in changing people's attitudes to drinking and said it was “encouraging that the charity can continue with more stable funding”.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles welcomed the announcement and said the funding “underlines the commitment of the drinks industry to encourage people in the UK to drink responsibly”.

"The WSTA has been working with members to secure this financial commitment to Drinkaware and we welcome support for its work to change cultural attitudes to alcohol in this country," he added.

The news coincides with a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health, the alcohol industry and The Drinkaware Trust.

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